Two Canada churches reject same-sex rites

Anglicans and Lutherans turn down proposals

Jul 24, 2007

Canada’s Anglican and Lutheran churches have each turned down proposals to approve ceremonies of blessing for same-sex unions.

The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, meeting in Winnipeg, on June 24 narrowly defeated a resolution that would have allowed dioceses to decide for themselves whether or not to bless same-sex unions.

“There is disappointment—a lot of pain. Some people will be saying, ‘How long, O Lord, how long?’” said Bishop Fred Hiltz of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, who was elected during the synod to be the denomination’s new primate, or national archbishop.

Anglican lay delegates voted 78 to 59 in favor of the motion, which clergy also supported by a vote of 63 to 53. However, the denomination’s House of Bishops voted 21-19 against the proposal. As a result the motion was defeated, since it required approval by each of the three groups.